What is Botox®?

Botox is an injectable neuromodulator originally used to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Over the course of the last decade, it’s also been used to treat pain-causing conditions like chronic neck spasms (cervical dystonia) and migraine headaches.

The main ingredient in Botox, botulinum toxin, works by paralyzing certain muscles temporarily, preventing the nerves from sending signals to your brain.

What issues can Botox treat?

At Trident Pain Management, the team uses Botox to treat various pain-causing conditions, including:

• Chronic neck pain
• Chronic back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Nerve pain
• Arthritis
• Tension headaches

You might also benefit from Botox injections if you suffer from chronic migraines.

Am I a candidate for Botox injections?

To determine if you’re a candidate for Botox, the team at Trident Pain Management reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. Let your provider know when you first started experiencing the pain, how severe it is, and if any activities, like exercise, make it worse.

Usually, the team recommends conservative, at-home treatments like activity modification, stretching, or ice and heat therapy to relieve your pain. But, if your symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with your quality of life, you’re likely a candidate for Botox.

What do Botox injections involve?

The team at Trident Pain Management administers Botox injections on-site. To ensure your comfort, they administer a topical anesthetic that numbs your skin. After the anesthesia sets in, your provider administers a series of injections. The number of Botox injections you receive depends on the severity of your symptoms and the issue being treated.

What is recovery like following Botox injections?

Following your Botox treatment, avoid rubbing or massaging the injection sites for at least 24 hours. This reduces the risk of the toxin entering other parts of your body. Aside from that, you can return to normal activities right away, including working out, swimming, or spending time with friends.

Does Botox work right away?

Most people experience a reduction in their symptoms one to three days after treatment. Depending on the source of your pain, the beneficial effects of Botox can last for up to three months and sometimes longer.

To learn more about the benefits of Botox for pain management, make an appointment at Trident Pain Management by calling the office today or request a visit online.